Summary
Set shortly after the American Civil War, The Gilded Age follows multiple storylines that critique the rampant greed, corruption, and political manipulation of the post-war boom.
The central narrative focuses on the Hawkins family, especially the idealistic but naive Colonel Beriah Sellers, who is constantly scheming to sell a seemingly worthless piece of Tennessee land in hopes of becoming rich.
Parallel to this is the story of Philip Sterling and Harry Brierly, two young men navigating Washington, D.C.'s cutthroat political and social circles.
As their paths cross with powerful lobbyists, corrupt politicians, and social climbers, the novel lays bare the moral decay beneath the glittering surface of prosperity.